GARY GRAVESAP Sports Writer Published: February 9, 2013 10:46 PM

Though tighter than the Wildcats' 75-53 beating of the Tigers three weeks ago at Auburn, the victory provided their longest winning streak this season and some momentum before Tuesday's Southeastern Conference showdown at first-place Florida. The Wildcats (17-6, 8-2) began the day a game behind the Gators.

Kentucky survived physical and sometimes chippy play by Auburn, which saw center Rob Chubb and backup Asauhn Dixon-Tatum foul out. The Wildcats made 26 of 38 free throws to beat Auburn for the 15th straight time.

Ryan Harrow and Willie Cauley-Stein each added 12 points, while Julius Mays and Nerlens Noel had 10 apiece. Noel added 11 rebounds for his third straight double-double but blocked his only shot in the final minutes.